Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: Turning the Electric Crossover into a Race Car
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry, with many manufacturers now offering high-performance electric models to cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly vehicles. Hyundai is one such automaker, and they have taken their electric crossover, the Ioniq 5 N, to the next level by turning it into a race car for a new racing series called the eN1 class.
The eN1 class will feature sprint races as well as one-on-one knockout races, providing an exciting and competitive environment for electric race cars to showcase their performance capabilities. This new racing series is inspired by the N1 class, which features the Elantra (known as the Avante in South Korea), and is open to multiple manufacturers and tire vendors, making it a diverse and inclusive racing platform.
Diet and Performance Enhancements
One of the key changes made to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for its transformation into a race car is a significant reduction in weight. While the road-going version of the Ioniq 5 N weighs up to 4,916 pounds, the eN1 Cup Car sheds nearly 600 lbs, tipping the scales at 4,343 lbs. This weight reduction was achieved through the use of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) hood, polycarbonate windows, and other lightweight materials, resulting in better performance and agility on the track.
In addition to the weight reduction, the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car also features a full aerodynamic body kit with bulging fenders and a massive rear wing, providing enhanced downforce and stability at high speeds. The car is equipped with 18-inch forged wheels and slick tires, as well as a stripped-out cabin with a single bucket seat for the driver, creating a race-focused and driver-centric cockpit.
Hyundai has also added a number of performance-enhancing features to the eN1 Cup Car, including a full FIA-compliant roll cage, 18-inch slick tires, an asphyxiation fire layer, and a high-voltage shutoff system. The car’s suspension has been upgraded with two-way dampers, providing improved handling and stability on the track. The charging port has been relocated to the back of the car, and the high-voltage warning indicator ensures the safety of the driver and crew during races.
Retaining Key Features
Despite the many changes made to the Ioniq 5 N for its racing transformation, Hyundai has chosen to retain some key features from the road-going model. The car still features the artificial engine noise trickery (N e-Shift), allowing teams to choose their favorite sounds for the car. The battery pre-conditioning and N Grin Boost, which unlocks full power for 10 seconds, are also retained, ensuring that the car maintains its high-performance capabilities on the track.
The Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car is powered by dual motors that produce a combined 641 hp, with an 84-kWh battery pack providing the necessary energy for high-speed performance. While specific performance details have not been revealed, it is expected that the car will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around three seconds, making it a formidable competitor in the eN1 racing series.
Exciting Debut and Future Races
Racing enthusiasts and fans of electric vehicles will have the opportunity to see the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car in action for the first time on April 27 during the inaugural round of the 2024 Hyundai N Festival at the Inje Speedium. The eN1 class will have an official practice session during the event, giving spectators a glimpse of the exciting races to come later in the year.
A total of 10 races are set to take place in the eN1 class, providing plenty of opportunities for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car to showcase its performance capabilities and compete against other electric race cars. With its lightweight construction, aerodynamic body kit, and high-performance features, the Ioniq 5 N eN1 Cup Car is poised to be a strong contender in the eN1 racing series, highlighting Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.